“Connections are literally important to our mental and physical well-being. Being isolated and or lonely has been associated with increased risk of dementia and cardiovascular disease and all sorts of health conditions.”
The Connect program will run for six weeks with two groups of 10 participants working through topics such as mindfulness and emotional management.
Others have identified the need for socialization as well. Stepping Stone Senior Centre in Fredericton is also working to support seniors who may be experiencing loneliness. “Loneliness is a soul-destroying experience,” said Anne Marie Hartford, president of the centre’s board.
According to StatCan numbers, mood disorders among citizens 65 and older have increased by almost 40 per cent between 2015 and 2023. The coalition has developed guidelines for those caring for isolated people, which include helping them gain social connections.